Monday, February 4 2019
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Rock ‘N Rumble IX in Boston on May 15th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from James Arredondo, fighting out of EverybodyFights.
Where are you from?
Somerville, Ma originally, South Boston currently
Where’d you go to college?
Bentley
Did you play any sports growing up?
Hockey and Track and Field
What do you do for work?
Digital Marketing
Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting?
It was always a "someday I'll" type of thing for me since I was a little kid. I think my parents forbid my brothers and I from watching Rocky movies for a while. Wasn't until I got into boxing classes/workouts more recently that I thought, "yea, I can do this."
Why on earth did you sign up to fight??
Very early on at my time at my gym I learned about H4H from someone who has since become a friend had just gone through it. I respected what he did and thought the whole experience seemed like an awesome way to take it to the next level.
You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you?
I watched others in my gym train in 2018 and thought I was lucky that I hadn't had anyone close to me affected by the disease. Then within a few weeks a close co-worker was diagnosed, a friend's mother passed after a long battle with it, and another friend told me about how they had been in remission for almost 20 years. It made me want to do something so that hopefully in time, cures can be found and others won't have to go through the same experiences. To me, this competition literally embodies the battle against cancer and I hope that my journey can honor the sacrifices of the people I know personally have battled it, and inspire strength and motivation for others to help find a cure.
What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?)
Ski season, but worth the sacrifice
When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have?
Running, snowboarding, going to concerts, traveling (to warm places these days), and woodworking
Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night?
My youngest brother or my friend Lionel.
Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, James!